We see a variety of plants around us. Despite the fact that all of them have same parts and functions, they are different. They appear distinctive with different types of leaves, flowers, stem, etc. Hence, classification of plants can be based on many factors. Plants can be classified based on their height, tenderness of stem and branches based on their life cycle.
Let us have an overview of classification of plants in detail.
Classification of Plants
If we consider plants based on their height some are too short while some are too tall. Most of the short plants have green coloured, thin, weak stems, whereas, the big and tall plants have thick, strong and woody stems that are hard to break.
Plants can also be classified as annuals, biennials and perenials based on their lifespan. Each of these classifications is described below.
-modified.png "plants and its classifications") |
| Classification Of Plants - Annuals, Beinnials, Perennials |
A plant’s life span begins with the seed germination and continues till it bears flowers and fruits in particular season. Based on their life span, plants are classified into three types, namely:
Annuals
Annuals are plants that complete their life cycle in one year. They germinate, grow, bear fruits and die off within an year. Generally, all herbs and plants belonging to the grass family exhibit this type of life cycle. Mustard, watermelon, corn, lettuce wheat, are a few examples of annual plants.
Lifespan of Rice Plant
Rice is a type of grass and is the staple food for millions of people across the world. It is an annual crop with an average lifespan of 4 – 8 months. It goes through three main stages before it is harvested – vegetative stage, reproductive stage and ripening stage.
Biennials
Biennials are plants that complete their life cycle in two years. They germinate, develop a root system, stem and leaves in the first year. Later in their second year, they yield flowers and bear fruit. A few herbs are also classified as biennials, including spinach. Along with spinach and other herbs, biennials also include carrot, cabbage, petunias radish, onions, etc.
Perennials
Perennials are plants which complete their life cycle in more than two years. Once they grow, they start to bear flowers, produce fruits, seeds and the cycle continues for a longer period of time. They do not die after bearing fruits but renew their parts, season after season. Along with a few shrubs, trees are all classified into perennials. For Eg., tomatoes, ginger, banana, mango, coconut, palm, banyan, etc.
This was a brief introduction to the classification of plants based on their life span. Learn more about plants, its types, examples, its importance and other related topics only at GMS Biology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do annuals plants come back every year?
No, annuals do not come back every year. Perennials come back every year growing from the roots that survive through winters.
What are herbaceous plants?
Herbaceous plants are the plants with green and soft stems. These can produce flowers and fruits in a very short period of time.
Is onion annual or biennial plant?
Onion is a biennial plant. They germinate and grow their bulb in the first year. They are then harvested. If they are left on the ground, they become dormant during winters and sprout again during spring.
Give a few examples of herbaceous biennials.
- Carrot
- Parsnip
- Ragwort